Honda CBR650R

Honda CBR650R Highlights

Honda dealerships across India have commenced deliveries for the CBR650R. Priced at Rs 7.70 lakh (ex-showroom India), it commands a price hike of around Rs 32,000 over the CBR650F. The new mid-displacement sportbike makes its way to India via the CKD route. It gets several visual and mechanical improvements over the 650F. Take for instance the design, which is now reminiscent of the CBR1000R Fireblade superbike. The sportier and edgier styling is also befitting of the ‘R’ suffix that Honda has chosen for the bike. The racier design is complemented by a more aggressive riding position as well. Honda has achieved this by lowering the clip-ons and moving the footpegs slightly rearwards.

Powering the CBR650R is a 649cc liquid-cooled, inline-four engine that produces 88PS at 11,500rpm and 60.1Nm of peak torque at 8000rpm. On the contrary, the international model makes 95PS at 12,000rpm while producing 64Nm of torque at 8500rpm. Apart from the power difference, the two models are identical. 

Mechanical aids include a slipper clutch and switchable HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) (HSTC). Suspension duties are handled by 41mm upside-down Showa Separate Fork Function (SFF) forks and a rear monoshock. Its braking setup comprises of twin discs coupled with radial-mount calipers up front and a single disc brake at the rear.

These mechanical, ergonomic and visual changes should make the CBR650R a livelier motorcycle to ride than the 650F. At that price point, the bike will compete against the Suzuki GSX-S750 (7.46 lakh) and Kawasaki Z900 priced at 7.69 lakh (both ex-showroom India). However, considering the CBR650R’s displacement, it also faces competition from the Kawasaki Ninja 650 priced at Rs 5.89 lakh (ex-showroom, India).